Absorbent article having re-fastenable closures

Abstract

Absorbent articles suitable for use as diapers or other hygiene products are provided. The absorbent articles have one or more closure system features including dual elasticity, rear closure, and the use of co-adhesives for the fasteners. Products according to the invention may provide any of several benefits, including a high level of comfort in use, resistance to tampering by the wearer, and relatively quiet attachment and detachment of the closures.

1. An absorbent article comprising:
 a chassis having a front section and a rear section, said front section or said rear section of said chassis including a section of first elasticity integral therewith or attached thereto, a section of second elasticity coupled to said section of first elasticity, and a fastener coupled to said section of second elasticity, a lateral end of the section of second elasticity extending beyond a lateral end of the section of first elasticity; 
 said section of first elasticity comprising a non-elastic substrate and an elastic material applied in a stretched configuration to said non-elastic substrate to provide said first elasticity. 
 
     
     
       2. The absorbent article recited in  claim 1 , said elastic material being formed from a film, a foam, or a non-woven material. 
     
     
       3. The absorbent article recited in  claim 1 , further comprising at least one fastener coupled to said rear section or said front section of said chassis and positioned for engagement with said fastener coupled to said section of second elasticity. 
     
     
       4. A method of forming an absorbent article, said method comprising the steps of:
 forming a section of first elasticity integral with or attached to a front section or rear section of a chassis by applying an elastic material to a non-elastic substrate integral with or attached to the front section or rear section; 
 coupling a section of second elasticity to the section of first elasticity so that a lateral end of the section of second elasticity extends beyond a lateral end of the section of first elasticity; and 
 coupling a fastener to the section of second elasticity. 
 
     
     
       5. The method recited in  claim 4 , said step of forming the section of first elasticity comprising applying a film, a foam, or a non-woven material in a stretched configuration to the non-elastic substrate to provide the first elasticity. 
     
     
       6. The method recited in  claim 4 , further comprising the step of coupling at least one fastener to the rear section or front section of the chassis for engagement with the fastener coupled to the section of second elasticity. 
     
     
       7. An absorbent article comprising:
 a chassis having a front section and a rear section; 
 said front section of said chassis including a section of first elasticity, a section of second elasticity coupled to said section of first elasticity, and a first engageable portion comprising a co-adhesive on said section of second elasticity, said section of first elasticity comprising a non-elastic substrate and an elastic material applied in a stretched configuration to said non-elastic substrate to provide said first elasticity, a lateral end of the section of second elasticity extending beyond a lateral end of the section of first elasticity; 
 said rear section of said chassis including a second engageable portion comprising a co-adhesive in position for engagement with said co-adhesive of said first engageable portion on said section of second elasticity; and 
 said first and second engageable portions having in combination a 135° peel strength in a range from about 50 g/in to about 1000 g/in and a 180° shear strength of at least about 1.0 kg/in 2 . 
 
     
     
       8. The absorbent article recited in  claim 7 , wherein the 135° peel strength is in a range from about 200 g/in to about 600 g/in. 
     
     
       9. The absorbent article recited in  claim 7 , wherein the 180° shear strength is least about 2.5 kg/in 2 .